Love: A Social Construct or an Essence of Life?
For decades, the dominant social system has sought to impose a concept of the verb "to love" as a simple feeling, and discussing it might even seem vulnerable to human beings. However, truly understanding this concept could signify the tremendous strength within us. Meanwhile, delving deeply into the meaning of "falling in love" could assist in decision-making, especially during that crucial stage of human life: adolescence.
"Falling in love" has been a romantic and quantitatively expensive social construct. Its commercial campaign and promotion have brought millions in profits to companies that capitalize on selling hearts, teddy bears, chocolates, wine bottles, and all sorts of trinkets to foster love. Books and magazines propose countless techniques for falling in love and living that perfect, fleeting romance. Yes, it is fleeting because the system offers a dream-like experience regarding falling in love – a moment of extreme happiness that ends when one opens their eyes to the reality, and the cold, value-stripped truth is revealed.
What is "falling in love"? According to neurologist and psychiatrist José Ma Mora Montes, it is the state of a person dominated by intense feelings towards another, considering them their greatest treasure, someone they would want to be united with forever and for whom they would be willing to sacrifice their own life if necessary. This concept speaks of being dominated by an emotion. How can an external emotion take control of one's internal will? According to psychologist and analyst Daniel Goleman, emotions should be governed by the will of the individual, leaving us with only one conclusion: it is the false Ego that governs the will when one is "in love."
But then, if we avoid "falling in love," how can we achieve true Love? Cultural conditioning invites us to walk only two paths: falling in love or living in solitude (with cats). However, in reality, there is a third path: the practice of values, which is precisely the true meaning of the verb "to love." When one loves, they arrive early; when one loves, they are brave, help others, work hard, live with effort, sacrifice, and practice all values with the sole purpose of doing good. The one who loves gives without expecting anything in return, without ego and without pride.
Thus, the practice of values is synonymous with profound love, and the result of loving deeply is Love itself, free from mental intricacies and complications. It is solely about doing good to others and the closest beings. Love is the energy produced by doing good and resides in all living beings on the planet.